Samuels' action deemed illegal

Marlon Samuels has been suspended from bowling in international cricket after an independent analysis revealed that his elbow exceeded the permitted 15 degree angle while bowling his offbreak and his faster delivery.

The analysis, which was conduced by Dr Mark King, a member of the ICC' Panel of Human Movement Specialists, at the ECB's National Cricket Academy at Loughborough University on February 11, found that Samuels' average flexion/extension angle for his offbreak was 27 degrees, while his average flexion/extension angle for his faster ball was 35 degrees.

Samuels was reported for his faster delivery during the third Test between West Indies and South Africa in Durban by the on-field umpires, Simon Taufel and Aleem Dar. While the suspension comes into effect immediately, Samuels is allowed to apply for a re-assessment of his action after taking measures to modify it in accordance with clause G of the ICC's regulations.

Meanwhile, Samuels can appeal against King's findings to the Bowling Review Group, which is mentioned in clause F of the ICC's regulations about illegal actions.